Ms. Lyons alleges that she has been discriminated by State of Queensland by the refusal to provide her with an Auslan interpreter so that she can perform her civic duty as a juror. She continues to challenge the Queensland Court of Appeal’s decision that there was no discrimination by that conduct.

Justice Susan Mary Kiefel AC, and Justice Geoffrey Nettle who presided the proceeding asked the Solicitor General of Queensland, Mr Dunning QC, who represents the State of Queensland if Ms Lyons would be able to perform the role of a juror effectively if an Auslan interpreter was provided, the Solicitor-General replied with a ‘Yes’.

Barristers Ms. Kylie Nomchong SC and Mr. Ben Fogarty who represented Ms Lyons, believed this is a case of human rights obligations not being met and a clear breach of the discrimination legislation.

‘This is of critical importance to Ms Lyons who is deaf and wants to actively participate in our community by being able to be considered for jury service’ says Ms Nomchong, ‘however, it clearly has wider ramifications ……to apply to all persons with disabilities’.

‘It is not about me’, says Ms Lyons, ‘it is the principle of justice and equality for every citizen of Australia and deaf people should not be treated any differently’.

Mr Kyle Miers, Chief Executive of Deaf Australia, who attended the hearing said it is a significant step forward in recognising that deaf people can do anything, but we’re only one step away from removing that discrimination in Queensland and may have wider implication to all states and territories that currently practice in excluding deaf people from doing their civic duties.

Deaf Australia Outlook Blog contains opinions from many contributors. This does not mean these opinions are always supported by Deaf Australia Inc.

Help us continue to advocate and work for the Deaf community!

Your donation to Deaf Australia shows governments, industry and service providers that Deaf people, their families, friends and organisations are committed to 'building a better Australia for Deaf people'.